Happy Birthday My Dear Mother

Photo of my Aunt Ruth and Mother at her surprise 75th Birthday Party.
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What a perfect fitting birthday, this one would have made;
It would have been your ninety-ninth, one more till the Centurion grade!
But so sadly, sixteen years ago, your sands of time ran out;
Always undefeated by adversity, you lost your final bout!
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The reason this one is so appropriate, is because everywhere you would go;
You’d be dressed right up to the perfect “nines”, your beauty all aglow!
I remember twenty-four years ago, you flew down to our Florida residence;
A week before your seventy-fifth, a surprise party so immense!
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We had it at a chic Fort Lauderdale eatery, with almost thirty guests;
Clients, friends, and relatives, all at our behest!
You wore your full-length mink coat, the Belle of the entire Ball;
So proud was I of my Mother, the most beautiful of all!
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As I look back on these cherished memories, my heart is shedding tears;
Wishing you were here with us, wishing you were near!
I will visit you on this sacred day, and lay a rose upon your grave;
I will tell you that I love you, and thank you for the life that you me gave!
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Happy Birthday Mom
If only you were still here
Party to the nines